Real time GPS timing system targeted to be available from the 2021 TT Race meeting
The Isle of Man Government’s Department for Enterprise has appointed leading global technology services company NTT Ltd. to provide data and live timing tracking services for course cars, travelling marshal bikes and competitors in the Isle of Man TT Races, the Classic TT Races and the Manx Grand Prix, all of which take place around the iconic TT Mountain Course.
The company will deliver a GPS based tracking system that will deliver real time data from any point around the circuit, which will be available to race fans via the Official iomttraces.com website.
Laurence Skelly MHK, Minister for Enterprise, commented:
“By working with NTT Ltd. and SES, we have the ability to improve the general safety at the event by tracking all vehicles on the TT Course in real time. This solution also has the potential to revolutionize how the TT Races and our other events around the TT course are experienced by fans around the world. Viewers will soon be able to follow the race in real time and be kept up to date on all the exciting race developments as they happen.” He concluded: “We are delighted to be entering into a key strategic partnership with such a prestigious international partner, who has worked closely with Isle of Man based SES to deliver the satellite based solution, and we believe that this activity can provide key insights for our own digital agency objectives.” The Luxembourg based organisation - who are the data and timing services provider for the Tour De France - has already carried out preliminary tracking system testing around the Mountain Course and is targeting delivery of the new service for the 2021 Isle of Man TT Races.
The services provided by the company will include competitor race entry and registration, live tracking of all competitor machines as well as non-competitor vehicles including course cars, road sweepers, ambulances and travelling marshal bikes.
Andrew Coulsen, CEO of NTT Ltd. Europe, commented,
“We have evolved our highly innovative technology to meet the geographical, logistical and physical challenges that come with providing data tracking for a mountain race. Our technology ability has been tested at both the Tour de France and Tour de Yorkshire and we now look forward to developing a close working partnership with the Isle of Man Government to protect participants and spectators, as well as bring TT race supporters closer to the action.”
Deepak Mathur, Executive Vice President of Global Sales for SES Video, said
, “NTT Ltd. and SES have a longstanding relationship when it comes to partnering on a variety of projects. For the TT races, we have the responsibility of broadcasting the footage around the world via our satellites and partnering with NTT Ltd. means that we can provide a fully comprehensive solution that can make a real difference to how fans experience the TT Race. We are excited to help the Isle of Man Government to demonstrate cutting-edge digital technology on a global stage.”